The final game for the U18S NZRL Boy’s Youth Tournament saw Counties Manukau Stingrays face off against South Island Scorpions at Puketawhero park, Rotorua.
The Stingrays dominated possession early as they continued to forced errors in the South Island’s half of the field, resulting in 4 tries in the first half, two of them coming from powerful backrower Rodney Tuipulotu-Vea.
The second half saw Counties Manukau opened the scoring as Rodney Tuipulotu-Vea completed a hat-trick. With their backs against the wall, a spirited Scorpions side tried to mount a comeback and were rewarded with a try however it was too little, too late with Counties Manukau Stingrays claiming the U18’s championship in dominating fashion with the score being 28-12.
Meanwhile in the Under 16s Final, Counties Manukau defeated Akarana 22 – 4 as the Stingrays claimed the double.
Under 18s Result:
COUNTIES MANUKAU 28 (Rodney Tuipulotu-Vea x3, Phranklyn Mano-Le-Mamea x2, Hirini Holmes, Jarome Falemoe, Cameron Tuipulotu tries; Phranklyn Mano-Le-Mamea 2/8 conversions) defeated South Island 12 (Makaia Tafua, Alofa Faaiva tries, Jacob Nyman 2/2 conversions)
Under 16s Result:
COUNTIES MANUKAU 22 (Tatapu, Lolesio, Filo, Totara Kopua tries; Fatani Latu 3/4 conversions) defeated AKARANA 4 (Wikitera tries)
